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Dietary supplement

Bergamot Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bergamot is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health, anxiety and stress (aromatherapy).Based on those ingredients, 410 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Bergamot extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: certified organic bergamot extract. Bergamot is a citrus fruit used in traditional and modern herbal practice, and this liquid form also includes vegetable palm glycerin, pharmaceutical-grade alcohol, and artesian Hawaiian purified water as inactive ingredients that help deliver and preserve the extract.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Bergamot's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Bergamot for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Hyperlipidemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Research suggests bergamot extract is possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). We hold insufficient evidence to rate it for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or autism spectrum disorder.

For mental alertness, the available data suggests it's possibly ineffective. If you're considering this product for cholesterol or liver health, talk with your doctor about how it fits into your treatment plan.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

The oral extract appears generally well tolerated when used short-term, though one person in a clinical trial reported heartburn. The essential oil form can be toxic if swallowed and can cause sun-related skin reactions, especially on fair skin — so stick with this liquid extract form if you use it at all.

Bergamot is rated possibly unsafe during pregnancy, so the safety data advises against it if you're pregnant. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoiding it is the safer choice if you're nursing.

If you're in either situation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bergamot.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 410 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your exact medications before starting, especially if you take antidiabetes drugs (for blood sugar control) or photosensitizing drugs (medications that increase sun sensitivity). Altogether, these interactions span 408 individual medications.

Your pharmacist can help you verify whether any of yours are on that list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bergamot extract may help with cholesterol, but it's not a replacement for your doctor's treatment plan. If you take diabetes medication or any drug that makes your skin sun-sensitive, check your medications with our tool before you start.

Talk to your pharmacist about whether this product fits your health picture.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bergamot, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 0787699243368
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2020
DSLD ID 237293
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
0787699243368
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Bergamot extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, artesian Hawaiian purified Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Made with Aloha!

Formulation

Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.

Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.

Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.

Non GMO Gluten free

Made in USA, Hawaii

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.

May have contraindications. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Formula

(Citrus bergamia)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA

See for yourself

Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Bergamot extract

Interacts with
410 drugs
970 mg per serving

Bergamot is a Mediterranean citrus fruit, and its standardized extract is most often used to support cholesterol and heart health, with some early but...

Certified organic Bergamot extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, Artesian Hawaiian purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bergamot?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
410Drugs
410 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bergamot with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Bergamot extract2 drug types · 410 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking bergamot with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that bergamot juice has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, topical bergamot essential oil might increase the risk of side effects when used along with photosensitizing drugs.
Bergamot contains bergapten, which has photosensitizing effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bergamot, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96815
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Bergamot by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bergamot has a known interaction with 410 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bergamot contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against bergamot during pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, safety is unknown, so avoiding it is the safer choice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're in either situation.
Will this help my cholesterol?
Research suggests bergamot extract is possibly effective for high cholesterol. That doesn't mean it's a substitute for medication or lifestyle changes your doctor recommends — it's something to discuss with them as part of your overall plan.
What are the side effects?
When taken by mouth as a liquid extract, bergamot is generally well tolerated short-term. One person in a trial reported heartburn. If you apply it to your skin, it can cause blisters, redness, and sun sensitivity — especially in fair-skinned people. Never swallow the essential oil form, which can be toxic.
Why does this product have alcohol in it?
The pharmaceutical-grade alcohol is an inactive ingredient that helps preserve and deliver the bergamot extract in liquid form.
Does this work for autism or liver disease?
We don't hold enough reliable evidence to rate bergamot for either autism spectrum disorder or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it for those conditions.
Will it really make me more sun-sensitive?
Yes — bergamot contains bergapten, a compound with photosensitizing effects. This is especially a concern if you're also taking a medication that increases sun sensitivity, or if you apply it to your skin. Fair-skinned people are at higher risk.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bergamot is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bergamot label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bergamot's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bergamot 17 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, et al. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Arch Dermatol Res 1985;278:31-6. . PubMed
  4. Kaddu, S., Kerl, H., and Wolf, P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J.Am.Acad.Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458-461. PubMed
  5. Finsterer, J. Earl Grey tea intoxication. Lancet 4-27-2002;359(9316):1484. PubMed
  6. Gruson, L. M. and Chang, M. W. Berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Arch.Pediatr.Adolesc.Med. 2002;156(11):1091-1093. PubMed
  7. Weisenseel, P. and Woitalla, S. [Toxic mustard plaster dematitis and phototoxic dematitis after application of bergamot oil]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 12-15-2005;147(51-52):53, 55.
  8. Placzek, M., Fromel, W., Eberlein, B., Gilbertz, K. P., and Przybilla, B. Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm.Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-316. PubMed
  9. Mollace, V., Sacco, I., Janda, E., Malara, C., Ventrice, D., Colica, C., Visalli, V., Muscoli, S., Ragusa, S., Muscoli, C., Rotiroti, D., and Romeo, F. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies. F PubMed
  10. Morliere, P., Huppe, G., Averbeck, D., Young, A. R., Santus, R., and Dubertret, L. In vitro photostability and photosensitizing properties of bergamot oil. Effects of a cinnamate sunscreen. J.Photochem.Photobiol.B 1990;7(2-4):199-208. PubMed
  11. Young, A. R., Walker, S. L., Kinley, J. S., Plastow, S. R., Averbeck, D., Morliere, P., and Dubertret, L. Phototumorigenesis studies of 5-methoxypsoralen in bergamot oil: evaluation and modification of risk of human use in an albino mouse skin model. J.P PubMed
  12. Girard, J., Unkovic, J., Delahayes, J., and Lafille, C. [Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs]. Dermatologica 1979;158(4):229-243.
  13. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. II. Factors which affect the phototoxic reaction induced by bergamot oil and psoralen derivatives. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3(5):225-23 PubMed
  14. Zacher, K. D. and Ippen, H. [Contact dermatitis caused by bergamot oil]. Derm.Beruf.Umwelt. 1984;32(3):95-97.
  15. Yasui, Y. and Hirone, T. Action spectrum for bergamot-oil phototoxicity measured by sunburn cell counting. J.Dermatol. 1994;21(5):319-322. PubMed
  16. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. I. Characterization and quantification of the photoactive component. Br.J.Dermatol. 1977;96(5):475-482. PubMed
  17. Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, Cedro C, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MRA. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Supplementation Improves Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Data From an 8-Week, Open-Label Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017;37(4):468-71. PubMed

See these in context on the Bergamot monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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